Santiago bids farewell to legendary journalist Claudio Concepción
Dominican journalism is in mourning following the passing of Claudio Concepción, one of the most emblematic and respected figures in communication in Santiago. His remains were buried this Monday at the Municipal Cemetery on 30 de Marzo Avenue, marking the end of a professional career that spanned more than five decades.
The farewell to the veteran art chronicler brought together a wide representation of Santiago society, including media colleagues, artists, political figures, and citizens who wanted to pay tribute to someone who was a fundamental pillar in the country’s entertainment reporting.
A final farewell amidst anecdotes and recognition
Prior to the burial, a funeral mass was held at the San José de Las Montañas church, in the Baracoa sector. During the funeral procession through the streets of Santiago, the pain of the loss was intertwined with the memories of those who recalled the cheerful, spontaneous nature and the witty spark that defined Concepción’s personality both inside and outside the recording studios.
Concepción was the chronicler par excellence of the Dominican Republic. His passing represents a profound blow to our guild and leaves a void that is difficult to fill after more than 50 years of impeccable professional practice.
Ney Zapata, president of the Santiago branch of the Association of Art Chroniclers (Acroarte)
Five decades of cultural history
Claudio Concepción was not only a witness, but a protagonist in the evolution of Dominican popular culture. His journalistic work spanned print media, radio, and television, mediums where he stood out for his ability to connect with the public and closely follow the careers of various generations of artists.
- Prominent host of the program “A Todo Color” on Teleuniverso, alongside Cipriano Martínez.
- Head of communications at key institutions, such as the Tobacco Institute of the Dominican Republic (INTABACO).
- A benchmark for a generation of communicators trained in the constant practice of the craft.
The legacy of an unforgettable communicator
Beyond her professionalism, her colleagues highlight her conciliatory nature and her enviable vitality. Even in her final years, when she faced various health setbacks, Concepción maintained a positive attitude that hid the severity of her medical complications, which forced her to receive care both abroad and within the national territory.
With the closing of this chapter, Santiago loses one of the voices that best knew how to narrate the life of local entertainment. Although the microphone has been turned off, Claudio Concepción’s mark remains indelible in the journalistic history of the Dominican Republic, being remembered as a master of the chronicle and a chronicler who lived his profession with unwavering passion.
